Registered Nurse (Mental Health) — Subclass 186 Pathway
Employer Nomination Scheme visa · Permanent
At a glance
- Visa
- Subclass 186 — Employer Nomination Scheme visa
- Points test
- Not points-tested
- Sponsor
- Employer sponsor required
- Eligibility list
- MLTSSLSTSOLROLCSOL
- Base fee
- from $4,770 (check immi.gov.au for current fee)
- Processing time
- ~6-15 months (median)
Key facts at a glance
Data compiled from official sources. Always verify on the relevant authority’s website before acting.
- SkillSelect points cutoff(Subclass 189)
- 75 points— November 2025 roundView all rounds →
- Skills assessment fee
- AUD 400–500via Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council· ~8-16 weeks processing
All figures are indicative. Fees and points cutoffs change frequently — always verify on immi.gov.au and the relevant state/authority website before lodging.
Skills assessment for this occupation
Assessing Registered Nurse (Mental Health) for migration purposes is handled by: ANMAC.
Each occupation has a single designated assessing authority — refer to the occupation page for the body that assesses it.
Registered Nurse (Mental Health) × Subclass 186 — pathway overview
Registered Nurses specialising in mental health (ANZSCO 254422) may be nominated under the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Mental health nursing appears on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), reflecting Australia's sustained shortage of specialist mental health clinicians in both public and private settings. The 186 visa provides a direct pathway to permanent residence via employer nomination. The Direct Entry stream is commonly used for mental health nurses who have not previously held a 457 or 482 visa. Employers must demonstrate the position is genuine and cannot be filled locally after conducting labour market testing. A positive skills assessment from ANMAC is required, with specialist mental health nursing qualifications and clinical experience assessed against Australian standards. Registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia, including any required endorsements for mental health nursing, must be established. English language proficiency, health checks, and character requirements apply. For advice tailored to your individual circumstances, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Content last generated: 2026-06-26
Key requirements
High-level criteria for Subclass 186. Verify every requirement on immi.gov.au before applying.
- Under 45 years of age at application (with limited exemptions)
- Competent English (IELTS 6 or equivalent)
- Nominated by an approved Australian employer
- Positive skills assessment in the nominated occupation (Direct Entry stream)
- At least three years of relevant work experience (Direct Entry stream)
- Health and character requirements
Other visa pathways for Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
- 189Details →Skilled Independent visa
Permanent points-tested visa for workers not sponsored by an employer, family member, or state.
- 190Details →Skilled Nominated visa
Permanent visa for workers nominated by a state or territory government.
- 482Details →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 485Details →Temporary Graduate visa
Post-study work visa for recent graduates of Australian qualifications.
- 491Details →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Details →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations for Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
States currently nominating this occupation — see the dedicated pages for state-specific criteria.